What does 3 John 1:8 mean?
ESV: Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
NIV: We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
NASB: Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may prove to be fellow workers with the truth.
CSB: Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can be coworkers with the truth.
NLT: So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
KJV: We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
NKJV: We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
Verse Commentary:
These traveling teachers served Christ and depended on others for their support (3 John 1:7). So, they deserved the assistance of fellow Christians. However, 2 John 1:10–11 warns against giving this backing to false teachers. Supplying a person's work means endorsing their message—giving that support to ungodly teachers is damaging to the spread of the gospel. Actively opposing a false teacher may be difficult, for some believers, but it is relatively simple to withhold support. On the other hand, aiding true missionaries makes us "fellow workers with the truth." Our help makes us partners with them in spreading the gospel and biblical teachings. This application continues today; missionaries depend on the generosity of many believers to help them take the Christian message into new and difficult contexts.
Verse Context:
Third John 1:1–8 introduces the writer as “the elder,” which tradition says is the apostle John. It specifies that the letter is meant for Gaius, who is praised for his positive reputation. In particular, Gaius is applauded for caring for missionaries and other traveling Christians. This is especially important to John, so those preaching the truth aren’t dependent on the support of non-believers.
Chapter Summary:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Chapter Context:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Book Summary:
Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.
Accessed 5/7/2024 3:09:55 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
